Immune System Defenses: How Lymphocytes Protect The Body
Lymphocytes exhibit immunocompetence through clonal selection, where they recognize specific antigens that match their surface receptors. This process ensures that each lymphocyte is capable of responding to a unique antigen. Additionally, lymphocytes undergo self-tolerance to prevent autoimmune reactions. Memory lymphocytes provide long-term protection against previously encountered pathogens, while MHC restriction and co-stimulation enhance the specificity…